Tesla has stirred controversy with its unconventional steering wheel designs, most notably the yoke steering wheel introduced with the Model S and Model X refresh in 2021. While the yoke steering wheel remains a paid option for these flagship vehicles, it seems that the upcoming Cybertruck may offer customers a choice between two steering wheel options.
During Tesla’s Investor Day, the Cybertruck showcased its own version of the yoke steering wheel. Unlike the traditional yoke design seen in the Model S and Model X, the Cybertruck’s steering wheel includes an upper piece, making it more of a hybrid between a yoke and a round steering wheel. However, this unique design received criticism from both Cybertruck reservation holders and potential customers, who deemed it impractical for a work truck.
Interestingly, recent clues suggest that the Cybertruck may come with an optional round steering wheel from the beginning. Observant viewers of the Tesla Bot update video, released 13 days ago, noticed one of the Cybertrucks in the background featured a round steering wheel. A screenshot from the video captured the moment around the 0:58 mark, providing further evidence.
In the tesla bot video the cybertruck seems to have a round wheel @DirtyTesLa @klwtts @WholeMarsBlog pic.twitter.com/gO96GM25wy
— Whit (@realwhitakerb) May 29, 2023
One possible explanation for the presence of a round steering wheel in this particular Cybertruck could be that Tesla has not yet produced enough hybrid steering wheels to equip all the pre-production prototypes. Alternatively, taking into account the feedback received when offering only a yoke steering wheel for the Model S and Model X—feedback that eventually led Tesla to make the round steering wheel standard and the yoke an option—it is plausible that the automaker has learned from past experience and will offer the same choice for the Cybertruck.
The remaining question is whether the hybrid yoke will be a paid option, much like it is currently for the Model S and Model X, where it carries a price tag of $200 USD. Regarding the overall pricing of the Cybertruck itself, this information has yet to be revealed. According to CEO Elon Musk, the public will have to wait until the delivery event, tentatively scheduled for late Q3, to find out.
In light of these developments, potential Cybertruck owners will need to consider whether they would opt for the hybrid yoke steering wheel or stick with the familiarity of a traditional round steering wheel. Share your preference in the comments section below.
